Gianluigi Donnarumma still feels the afterglow of Manchester City’s recent derby triumph as he sits in the club’s training complex, reflecting on the performance that secured the win. While the controversial last‑minute strike from Erling Haaland and the harsh red card shown to Phil Foden still spark debate, Donnarumma’s focus lies elsewhere. He is pleased that, despite being reduced to ten men and facing a series of setbacks during the match, City displayed resilience and emerged victorious.
"I loved my teammates' performance, it was sublime," he told Sky Sports. "The ability to stay in the game and react to difficult moments – no one can take that away from us." He went on to stress the deep connection he feels for the shirt and the club that has given him so much. "We will give everything for this shirt, for this club that gives us so much and offers us great support.
It has a great history, and we need to give a lot back to it," he said. City entered the international break with an almost perfect record this season, a rarity after the departure of several stalwarts from Pep Guardiola’s era – Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Rodri. Though the team has shown flashes of brilliance, Donnarumma admits there are still areas that need refinement, even after a seemingly flawless start under new manager Enzo Maresca.
The club had labelled the campaign a "transition" season, a term the goalkeeper is reluctant to embrace. "I don't really like the word 'transition,'" he explained.
"The club's objective is to win. This team's objective is to win. We'll certainly give everything we can to achieve that." He added that the season could end either with trophies or without, but what matters most is maintaining a winning mentality and striving to claim every possible prize. This mindset is reinforced by a newly‑formed leadership group that includes Donnarumma, defender Ruben Dias, striker Erling Haaland and centre‑back Marc Guehi.
All four have collected silverware both at City and elsewhere, giving them the experience needed to guide younger arrivals. As promising talents such as Ayyoub Bouaddi, Elliot Anderson and Iliman Ndiaye begin to settle into the squad, the leadership quartet is tasked with upholding standards in what the club now calls a "non‑transition" year.
"We've changed a few players. A few new ones have arrived," Donnarumma said. "They're all top players used to playing on the biggest stages, dealing with pressure and competing in the Premier League." He acknowledged the challenges newcomers face when adapting to a new city, a new organization and a new style of football, but praised the existing squad for helping them feel at home. "The players who were already here are helping them a lot.
I think we're going to have a great season," he added. The ultimate goal, according to Donnarumma, is to compete on all fronts – the Premier League, the Champions League and the two domestic cups – and to stay in contention until the final whistle of the campaign. This ambition serves as a clear warning to rivals that City remains a force capable of achieving anything. One particular opponent looms large in the goalkeeper’s mind: Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side also began the season with four straight league victories before stumbling against Brighton, and they have the psychological edge of having edged City out for the Premier League title last May. The recent Guardiola documentary captured the disappointment of City players after a slip‑up at Bournemouth that handed the Gunners the championship.
Donnarumma, who had been part of five consecutive title‑winning squads, was among those feeling the sting. "It's difficult, but that's football, that's life. You're not on your own," he reflected on that disappointment. "There are other strong teams, especially in the Premier League.
It's not that if you don't win there isn't disappointment – of course there is – but it can happen because there are other teams as well, just like in the Champions League." He emphasized the importance of approaching every match with the intention to win. "It's important to go into every game trying to win it. Certainly, our objective will be to win, but there are other teams too. You have to compete, you have to work, and you have to do everything possible because the history of this club demands it," Donnarumma asserted.
When asked whether City and Arsenal will once again dominate the league table in May, the Italian keeper admitted uncertainty. "I don't know. We're only four games into the season," he replied, reminding everyone that the journey is still in its early stages.
For now, City’s focus remains on preparation and consistency. "Our focus right now has to be on working and trying to win every game. That has to be our objective.
Whether we achieve it in the end or not, only time will tell," Donnarumma concluded. The message is clear: Manchester City aim to turn the promise of a new era into tangible success, leveraging experienced leaders, fresh talent and a relentless desire to win.
The season ahead will test that resolve, but the club’s storied history and the commitment of its players suggest that the pursuit of silverware remains very much alive.